Style Media Maven Eyes Umbrella Alternative
Last week we were recognized by Rhode Island magazine for our preoccupation with rain capes. Then, a few days ago we heard from a particular woman noted for her very particular style. It seems people are starting to come around to this rain cape idea.

We’re not anti-umbrella. But when you have things to do, you’re better off without the extra hardware. A Cleverhood, for instance, affords the user a certain utility that’s not available to the one-hander holding the little aluminum structure over her head. With an umbrella, you can forget about coffee on-the-go or walking the dog while eating an apple.

When it’s raining in Manhattan at 3:45 pm and you have 15 minutes to get from Omnimedia to the Ed Sullivan Theater, you’ll skip the cab (limo?) and grab a nearby CitiBike. There’s no faster way to cross mid-town than a sturdy blue bike. But, good luck with that shaky umbrella.

Maybe it was in one her “American Made” meetings that Martha first discovered this curious Cleverhood. At least someone, somewhere in the halls of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) thought twice about this Rhode Island rain cape thing. We assume Martha is on top of everything.

Through “American Made”, Martha and the editors of Martha Stewart Living are spotlighting new American entrepreneurs, artisans, and small-business owners who are creating new things. They picked us as finalists. No kidding.
Martha believes we are “in the midst of a shift in our culture where creative entrepreneurs are defining a new American economy.” We do too. We think there are new opportunities for creativity and craftsmanship all over the world. We continue to be impressed and encouraged by people we’re meeting in Providence and beyond. We like awards. But the best part of this experience is the experience. And turning Martha on.